The Kiwanis Horse Shows

 
The Kiwanis Horse Shows in Northumberland County c.1944-1984

Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. A year later, the name changed to Kiwanis. Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children.

In the early 1940s, Kiwanis clubs across the country began hosting Horse Shows, to raise money for their good works.  Kiwanis clubs still exist today, and some still hold horse shows.

In Northumberland County, the Kiwanis horse show was organized in the  early 1940s , and through 1954, the  annual show was held, at Feese Show Grounds, along Trevorton Road in Shamokin. 

 The money raised was for the "milk fund" - providing milk to underprivileged school children.  As the event grew, the fund provided eyeglasses, and other essentials, as well.

Six Pony Hitch

One of the early features was the Six Pony  Rolling Rock Beer Ponies.  See more about them here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GgkgcLfXY/

In 1955, the annual event was moved to Knoebels Grove, where it was held through 1958.

1958

On September 12th 1955, a "record crowd of more than 1,100 persons witnessed the annual Kiwanis Horse Show at  Knoebels Groves.

 Sally Starr, a very popular television star, hosting Starr Theater on WFIL-TV, was the master of ceremonies for the show in 1957 & 1958.   

See more about Starr's visits here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Ke8Dy9R1/

 Her sidekick "shotgun Jack" appeared along with her at the  event in 1957.  Jack was a former Hollywood stunt man.

Cliff Arquette, "Charlie Weaver" of the Charlie Weaver Tv Series, was the MC at the 1959 event. See more photos here - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GmQ3BeRWY/

In 1959, a permanent site for the annual Horse Show was dedicated.  The land was leased from the Valley Gun & Country club, in Ralpho Township.  "one mile north of Elysburg, on the Elysburg -Catawissa Highway"

1955

In the early 1980s, the show included trick riding, fancy roping, and a flea market.

The last mention I found of the show was the 40th Annual event in 1984.  

The Williamsport Kiwanis also hosted a horse show, from 1943-1963.  "According to the Williamsport Riding Club website, it was considered a major show on the east coast, bringing competitors from as far west as Missouri and as far north as Quebec.  The profits raised from the show went to local organizations and causes.  Though the show was discontinued in 1963 in part due to financial difficulties, the show returned for a brief run from 1969 to 1976."

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Darwin H. Feese, 88, RR1 Shamokin -SHAMOKIN Darwin Harrison "Colonel" Feese, 88, of RR1 Shamokin, died at 4:55 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 1996, at his home. He was born Oct.

17, 1907, in Shamokin, a son of the late Harrison E. and Clara E. (Kramer) Feese. He married the former Mildred E. Emerick April 12,1929, at.

Salem Reformed Church, Shamokin, by the Rev. Alvin Deitz.. She died Nov. 12, 1993, He' was a 1925 graduate of Shamokin High School and attended auctioneering school. •Mr.

Feese first worked for his father in the meat packing business, then owned a cigar store on Walnut Street, Shamokin, before working in a coal breaker, which he owned, as an independent miner until 1949. He then opened Darwin Feese Auction and Sales, where he was president for 45 years. He was past president of both the Shamokin Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, and the Shamokin Kiwanis, where he was one of the original organizers of the Kiwanis Horse Show. He was a member of the Shamokin Elks Lodge and former director at West End Bank, Shamokin. Mr.

Feese was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ. Surviving are two sons, Harrison of Baltimore and Darwin Jr. of Dornsife; one daughter, Elaine Russell of Philadelphia; seven grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Justin, who died May 3, 1980.

The funeral will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Coal Township. Visitors may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Farrow Funeral Directors, Chestnut and Sixth streets, Shamokin. Contributions may be made to St.

John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, Pa. 17872..

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The first Pennsylvania National Horse Show was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in 1946.

It was a four-day show with 226 horses entered, and it benefited the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation. International teams competed at Harrisburg from 1948 until 1972. In 1950, the show was lengthened to seven days, in 1962 to eight days, in 1970 to nine days, in 1982 to 10 days and in 2023 to 11 days – which it is today.

In the 50s and 60s, the show was a major social event in Harrisburg, and the Kiwanis volunteers wore tuxedos as they sold tickets and programs. Arthur Godfrey televised live nationwide from his horse Goldie at the show in 1955 and 1956. Throughout the horse show’s partnership with the Harrisburg Kiwanis, more than $1.5 million went back to the youth of Central Pennsylvania.